Happy Father's Day Daddy!
Thank you for all that you do for us...we love you so much and are so thankful for you!
We love how hard you work to provide for us, and how you are always ready to play and snuggle after a long day at work. We love spending time with you and doing special things together. Thank you for the bike rides, trips to the park, fun camping, and M&M's!
Thank you for making your family a priority and for always making the time to spend with us. Thank you for not letting a day go by without making sure your kids feel loved and special. Thank you for being you!
We love you lots!

Such a big boy!

So after about a month of taking 2-3 steps and freaking out once he realized that he was walking.....it's official. Kaeden is walking, there is no stopping this boy now! He still crawls, but he is becoming quite fond of walking from room to room. Sissy thinks it is awesome...and cheers him on loudly whether he takes 1 step or 20.
My baby is pretty much gone...and is replaced with a strong-willed toddler. One who is so sweet and cuddly, but let's you know when he isn't happy! Doesn't help that he is taking lessons from Miss Sass herself!

From the mouth of a 3 year old.

The other day we were talking about our new dog Bailey. Here is Kirstianna's thought on dogs!
K: Mommy I don't like dogs.
Me: Why not, Bailey is nice.
K: Dogs are gross. Bailey is nasty. Bailey is like dealing with poop!

Calm

We are pretty much back to normal life after the crazy month of May...still busy but not insane! The past few weeks we have spent a weekend home alone while Daddy went backpacking, celebrated Memorial Day with a parade and BBQ, fed the ducks and played at the lake, watched Kirstianna perform with her Awana Cubbies group (sooo cute!), and caught up with some old friends we hadn't seen in awhile!
Some of the things my daughter has said lately.....

Me: Were you playing with the toilet brush?
K: I don't know, are you going to flick my hand?
Me: Answer my question Kirstianna.
K: But I asked you a question to Mommy!


K to Daddy: Do you want Spiderman panties...I know you love Spiderman!


K to Me: Let's just not tell Daddy about this ok.

She is quite the firecracker! Keeps me on my toes and causes me to REALLY watch what I say! :)

So this is what 3 years old is like?

Kirstianna woke up this morning. First thing out of her mouth... "Mommy, am I still 3?"

She later asked if Joe Bubba can come play with this (as she point to her new ZhuZhu pet).
I say, "Yes he can play with your ZhuZhu pets."
Her response, "No, it's ZhuZhu PET...there is only one!"
Oh brother!

Kirstianna's Princess Party!

Well, apparently 3rd birthdays are a big deal...because this girl had a birthday weekend! Friday before the party she played at the park with Caleb and Jack and got to go to the candy store AND the toy store. Then went home, had lunch and played with Penny!

After a much needed nap...friends came over to Doe and Papa's to start the celebrating!

Princess Tianna cake thanks to Mimi!!

A good friend ALWAYS sticks by you! Penny and Kirstianna try not to peek at her surprise from Daddy and Mommy!

And she LOVES her princess bike. Saturday (actual b-day) started off right with Doe picking us up to go shopping...with a little stop for a donut first! Then Kirstianna went to Target (her favorite store), picked out some new shoes, ate lunch, rode the Choo-Choo train, ate a cookie, took a nap, rode her bike and ate at McDonald's for dinner! What a weekend...both my kids passed out quickly tonight!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Kirstianna "Monkey Doozle"-
I cannot believe 3 years has already gone by since you blessed our family with your beauty. Since the day you were born I have been in awe of you, and although it seems impossible, I love you more each day.
Being your Momma is such a wonderful blessing. You are such a strong, beautiful, creative, loving girl who is always wanting to learn new things. Not only do you want to learn new things...you want to perfect them! I love that you want me to play a song over and over until you know all the words. You delight in learning your Awana verses and get giddy when you show Mommy a craft you've made. You make your Mommy proud!
Your love of life is an inspiration and a reminder to always appreciate everything...no matter how insignificant it may seem. You truly have a huge heart! I love when you tell me something I did "makes your heart happy" or "I'm so proud of you" (even if you tell me that in the Target public restroom as I pee! I love hearing that Joe Bubba is your "best friend cousin", that "Micah-Man is perfect" and Bubba Doo is your "very handsome best boy"! You love your friends so much and look forward to every time you get to spend with them.
Times with you aren't always so easy! You are so loving, but you've also got a pretty ornery side to you ( not sure where that comes from!). But even when things are difficult with you...it's usually pretty entertaining. Examples: "You are the Mommy and I am the daughter that talks mean", "Fine! Then I'll never get to play toys again.", or my most recent favorite..." Well Mommy, sometimes life's not fair." Well said kid.
You are feisty, sarcastic and quite frankly you crack me up daily. You go straight from playing dolls and princesses to playing ninja and pirates...and I wouldn't have it any other way! You are one in a million! But whether you are cuddly, grumpy, sassy or happy...I LOVE YOU! In fact, as we say... " I love you to the moon and back!"
As our favorite book puts it...
"I am your parent; you are my child.
I am your quiet place; you are my wild.
I am your calm face; you are my giggle.
I am your wait; you are my wiggle.
I am your water wings; you are my deep.
I am your open arms; you are my running leap.
I am your dinner; you are my chocolate cake.
I am your bedtime; you are my wide awake.
I am your finish line; you are my race.
I am your praying hands; you are my saying grace.
I am your lullaby; you are my peekaboo.
I am your goodnight kiss; you are my I love you!"

Thank you for bringing something so special to our family. We wouldn't be the same without you and we love you more than you could possibly know! Happy 3rd Birthday Princess!!!
Love,
Your Mommy